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  1. #1
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    Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    OK Ken, you've been pretty stealthy about your own system. You've had the D3's with your awesome Soulution gear for a while now. You've also cabled your entire system with Kimber Select. Soooooo.....what's the low down? Can we get some pics? Impressions? Future plans?
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
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  2. #2
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    +1
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  3. #3
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    OK Ken, you've been pretty stealthy about your own system. You've had the D3's with your awesome Soulution gear for a while now. You've also cabled your entire system with Kimber Select. Soooooo.....what's the low down? Can we get some pics? Impressions? Future plans?
    Hi Mike,
    So much for flying under the radar! The system is breaking in really nicely and sounding wonderful. Adding the Kimber Select cables significantly improved the overall sound quality compared to the Cardas Clear Light cables. I also recently started sitting in the nearfield listening position and got a huge leap in sound quality. Imaging is now truly holographic, timbres are spot on and vocals are so supple and nuanced. I honestly didn't know what I was missing.

    I'm planning on adding a Timbernation rack and 2 cm thick granite slabs under the speakers in the next two months. Also, some Audience AU24SE power cables later this year. In 2016, I'll look to add DSD in the form of an Esoteric K-01X or Lampi B7 or GG. I'll post some photos after I get the Timbernation rack installed. Thanks for your interest!

    All the best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  4. #4
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Mike,
    So much for flying under the radar! The system is breaking in really nicely and sounding wonderful. Adding the Kimber Select cables significantly improved the overall sound quality compared to the Cardas Clear Light cables. I also recently started sitting in the nearfield listening position and got a huge leap in sound quality. Imaging is now truly holographic, timbres are spot on and vocals are so supple and nuanced. I honestly didn't know what I was missing.

    I'm planning on adding a Timbernation rack and 2 cm thick granite slabs under the speakers in the next two months. Also, some Audience AU24SE power cables later this year. In 2016, I'll look to add DSD in the form of an Esoteric K-01X or Lampi B7 or GG. I'll post some photos after I get the Timbernation rack installed. Thanks for your interest!

    All the best,
    Ken
    Where is the turntable ???

    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  5. #5
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Where is the turntable ???

    Right next to my pet dinosaur. LOL, just kidding!

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  6. #6
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    OK Ken, you've been pretty stealthy about your own system. You've had the D3's with your awesome Soulution gear for a while now. You've also cabled your entire system with Kimber Select. Soooooo.....what's the low down? Can we get some pics? Impressions? Future plans?
    +1, Please.
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  7. #7
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Would love to see the pics Ken.
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  8. #8
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeCh View Post
    Would love to see the pics Ken.
    Hi Mike,

    I'll post some photos when I put the final pieces in place. Yeah, I know, I'm a perfectionist, what can I say?

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  9. #9
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Mike,

    I'll post some photos when I put the final pieces in place. Yeah, I know, I'm a perfectionist, what can I say?

    Best,
    Ken
    Ready yet Ken?
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  10. #10
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Ya Ken, nudge nudge, you did a great job of posting great hi rez pictures of your Salon 2's when they were for sale.

    Pictures!
    Pictures!
    Pictures!
    Le Roy

    Austin, Tx : Soulution 520 preamp, 501 mono blocks, 541 SACD/560 DAC w/ Network Streaming, Raidho D3.1, Lumin U1, Uptone Audio Modded Mac Mini w/ MMK fanless kit & JS-2 LPS, Regen, Ansuz DTC loom (complete), Oppo 105D, QNAP TS-451+

    Chicagoland : Soulution 725 preamp, 711 stereo amp, 541 SACD/560 DAC w/ Network Streaming, Raidho D5.1, Naim UnitiServe 2TB, Aurender W-20 Ansuz DTC later generation wire, Teac X1000 R2R, QNAP TS-451+

    Foundation:
    Raidho Rack system, Ansuz DTC Mainz8, Ansuz (2) Supreme Mainz D8 Distribution, 20 amp dedicated outlets via subpanel

  11. #11
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Odyssey View Post
    Ya Ken, nudge nudge, you did a great job of posting great hi rez pictures of your Salon 2's when they were for sale.

    Pictures!
    Pictures!
    Pictures!

    Yes, +1. Everything must be perfect by now. Even the Esoteric is broken in and ready to be photographed....
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  12. #12
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    I think he's ignoring us
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  13. #13
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Hi Mark,

    How are you doing, buddy? Happy Holidays!! I'll post a photo of my system in the next few days. Right now, I'm playing around with my new Totaldac USB cable. We'll see if it can hold its own against the Wireworld Platinum 7 USB cable I just removed. The Totaldac has some big shoes to fill.

    All the best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  14. #14
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeCh View Post
    Ready yet Ken?
    Hi Mike, Le Roy and Ralph,

    Thanks for asking about my system. I'll post some photos very soon, I promise. Right now, I'm breaking in my new Totaldac USB cable, plus enjoying some very nice Christmas music in the process.

    All the best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  15. #15
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Mike, Le Roy and Ralph,

    Thanks for asking about my system. I'll post some photos very soon, I promise. Right now, I'm breaking in my new Totaldac USB cable, plus enjoying some very nice Christmas music in the process.

    All the best,
    Ken

    Ken, we are just busting your chops man. All in good time. Whenever you think are ready.
    Le Roy

    Austin, Tx : Soulution 520 preamp, 501 mono blocks, 541 SACD/560 DAC w/ Network Streaming, Raidho D3.1, Lumin U1, Uptone Audio Modded Mac Mini w/ MMK fanless kit & JS-2 LPS, Regen, Ansuz DTC loom (complete), Oppo 105D, QNAP TS-451+

    Chicagoland : Soulution 725 preamp, 711 stereo amp, 541 SACD/560 DAC w/ Network Streaming, Raidho D5.1, Naim UnitiServe 2TB, Aurender W-20 Ansuz DTC later generation wire, Teac X1000 R2R, QNAP TS-451+

    Foundation:
    Raidho Rack system, Ansuz DTC Mainz8, Ansuz (2) Supreme Mainz D8 Distribution, 20 amp dedicated outlets via subpanel

  16. #16

    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    I think he's just about ready to strangle his hi-res disposition with his total dac usb chord....

  17. #17
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    I think he's just about ready to strangle his hi-res disposition with his total dac usb chord....
    Huh! Maybe there is no need to wait for the Totaldac USB cord to break in before taking those photos.....
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  18. #18
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by kiwi_1282001 View Post
    Huh! Maybe there is no need to wait for the Totaldac USB cord to break in before taking those photos.....
    Now, now Ralph....you must be misunderstanding as the pictures he eventually will provide will be in higher resolution and produced with less overall distortion if he waits until the cable is broken in.

    Ken, don't mind us, we're just pokin at ya pokin at ya.
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  19. #19
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Well, I bit the bullet and ordered some new speakers. I should have them in a little less than two months. Vandersteen Model 7 MkII. This is the color I picked.

    Ken

    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  20. #20
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Congrats Ken, those look great. The talk about ARC makes sense now though there are many brands that sound great with Vandies. In the past I have owned 2CE Sigs, 3A Sigs and Treo's. I was always partial to the match of tube pre and SS amps, though I have used all tube setups with Vandersteen.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  21. #21
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Thanks Jack. I really love my Soulution gear (520 preamp and 501 mono amps), so I'm going to try to stick with them. If I need to inject some tube warmth into the system, I may add a Lampi SE B7 or GG DAC as a source component. Having said that, the ARC REF 6 and Aesthetix Atlas Signature Monoblocks sound absolutely awesome with the Vandersteen Model 7.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  22. #22
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    Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Congrats Ken. Beautiful speakers and I never heard a single bad thing about it.

    So what made you to go the Vandersteen over Raidho speakers ?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  23. #23
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Thanks Paul! I can't wait to get them. I really like the Vandy 7's linearity. They have very little coloration with a transparent and non-fatiguing presentation that enables me to focus solely on the music. I still think the Raidho's are wonderful sounding speakers, the Vandy 7's just lean more towards my personal taste.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  24. #24
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Yuuuuuuuge congratulations Ken. They are amazing speakers. I can not wait for your thoughts and photos.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  25. #25
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Wait. I don't want to know. I just saw the price tag on them LoL.

    Nice Ken. Hope they come earlier than your expectations.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  26. #26
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    What are the specs on this speakers ?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  27. #27
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    What are the specs on this speakers ?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul,

    Here are the measurements from Stereophile on the Vandersteen Model 7's. The MkII should be similar.

    Ken

    http://www.stereophile.com/content/v...eyb1PXHk6cT.97
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  28. #28

    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Nice Ken, are they any good??

  29. #29
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    Nice Ken, are they any good??
    Damn straight.
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  30. #30
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Yuuuuuuuge congratulations Ken. They are amazing speakers. I can not wait for your thoughts and photos.
    Hey, thanks Joe! They are amazing sounding speakers. The best word I could use to describe them is "addictive". Many sleepless nights ahead.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  31. #31
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Well, I bit the bullet and ordered some new speakers. I should have them in a little less than two months. Vandersteen Model 7 MkII. This is the color I picked.

    Ken

    Yeah baby! Congrats!! Vandy's are great!! These should be totally destination speakers for you.

    Tubes and vinyl next!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  32. #32
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Yeah baby! Congrats!! Vandy's are great!! These should be totally destination speakers for you.

    Tubes and vinyl next!
    Thanks Mike! I really appreciate it. Everyone is telling me I'll need a turntable, there's still some room on my rack... My thoughts on the tubes are in post #21.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  33. #33

    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Ken, you have a very good phono stage in the 520,

  34. #34
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    Ken, you have a very good phono stage in the 520,
    LOL Kev, so true! My friend was just telling me today that I need to put it to good use.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  35. #35

    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Ken...congrats on the Vandies. Let us know how it all comes out when all is set up and playing music.
    Cyril
    Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
    Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
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  36. #36
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Congrats!
    Jock

    If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.

    ---------

    House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.

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  37. #37
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Thanks Cyril and Jock! I really appreciate it. I think I'm looking at least six weeks to music with them.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  38. #38

    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Congratulations Ken. I've been saying for years that the Vandersteen 7s are my dream speakers. I know that you will love them.

  39. #39
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by BruceLet View Post
    Congratulations Ken. I've been saying for years that the Vandersteen 7s are my dream speakers. I know that you will love them.
    Thanks Bruce! I'm guessing you've heard them at John's place. He really has them dialed in, in his showroom. Now if I could only convince my wife to let me bring in all those silk trees and plants!

    Best,
    Ken

    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  40. #40
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Ken

    Is that the main room at Audio Connection? John is the Vandersteen expert and I always used to turn to him for info after my friend from college and later Vandersteen dealer sold his store after 25 years. A pleasure to talk with about gear from the early days of Vandersteen like PSE and Music Reference amps. I always found a great match with Odyssey amps and Vandersteen. Back in the days when Klaus sold through dealers John was one of his main dealers.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  41. #41
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    Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Wow is that the show room ? Very nice. Love those trees.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul

  42. #42
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Wow is that the show room ? Very nice. Love those trees.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Paul,

    Yes, Vandy 7's in the forest at Audio Connection. Actually, the room is one of the best sounding I've heard. It stacks up well against a $100,000+ custom designed sound room I've heard.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  43. #43
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    Ken

    Is that the main room at Audio Connection? John is the Vandersteen expert and I always used to turn to him for info after my friend from college and later Vandersteen dealer sold his store after 25 years. A pleasure to talk with about gear from the early days of Vandersteen like PSE and Music Reference amps. I always found a great match with Odyssey amps and Vandersteen. Back in the days when Klaus sold through dealers John was one of his main dealers.
    Hi Jack,

    Yes, it is. John is a great guy to deal with and he really knows Vandersteen. He's also a music lover so we're always trading ideas on discs.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  44. #44
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Thanks Bruce! I'm guessing you've heard them at John's place. He really has them dialed in, in his showroom. Now if I could only convince my wife to let me bring in all those silk trees and plants!

    Best,
    Ken

    Nice.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  45. #45
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Well,well,well. I see you let the cat out of the bag. I think you made the right decision for sure! The Vandys will help with room challenges you mentioned to me.

    Ken, I couldn't be happier for you! They're a destination speaker for sure.

    Congrats my friend
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
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  46. #46
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Well,well,well. I see you let the cat out of the bag. I think you made the right decision for sure! The Vandys will help with room challenges you mentioned to me.

    Ken, I couldn't be happier for you! They're a destination speaker for sure.

    Congrats my friend
    Thanks Mark! I think the Vandersteen 7 and Revel Salon 2 move on parallel paths. Both are very transparent, neutral in frequency response and are non-fatiguing in long listening sessions. I'm hoping the Vandy 7's will bring me the sort of contentment you've found with your Salon 2's. I've found in my listening sessions that the Vandy 7's make me want to mine my music collection because everything sounds good, even the lesser recordings. I couldn't believe how involving my Simon & Garnfunkel Greatest Hits CD could be!

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  47. #47
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Congrats Ken. I am so excited for you. The Vandy 7's are legendary.

    I will be very curious to learn how the Vandys compare to the D3's in the mids and highs once you get them in your room. I have little doubt they will be awe inspiring in the sub 100 hz range compared to the Raidhos given their design but it they excel in the presence region in a direct A/B comparison (same room/electronics etc.) I will be truly impressed!! Keep us posted.

  48. #48
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Quote Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio View Post
    Congrats Ken. I am so excited for you. The Vandy 7's are legendary.

    I will be very curious to learn how the Vandys compare to the D3's in the mids and highs once you get them in your room. I have little doubt they will be awe inspiring in the sub 100 hz range compared to the Raidhos given their design but it they excel in the presence region in a direct A/B comparison (same room/electronics etc.) I will be truly impressed!! Keep us posted.
    Thanks Paul!!! I'm pretty excited about the whole thing. The ability to tune the subwoofers with its 11 band equalizer, overall attenuation and Q adjustment and the rear ceramic tweeters with its attenuation and Q adjustment should really help to integrate the V7 MkII into my listening room. As you know, I've had some WAF challenges with my listening room and acoustic treatments, so adjustability is very important. There's no question that the D-3's offer magical midrange and treble, which will be hard to top on some of my favorite CD's and downloads. I'm listening right now to a Telarc CD and it sounds amazing, Ray Brown - Some of My Best Friends are Piano Players. Terrific recording, truly stellar sounding on the D-3's.

    All the best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  49. #49
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    looks awesome.... now some pictures of the electronics ....
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  50. #50
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    Re: Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

    Vandersteen is nearly done with my Tungsten Silver Model 7 MkII speakers. They will be shipping them shortly. I should have them in approximately two weeks. I ordered four spade connectors from Kimber for my Kimber Select KS-6063 speaker cables and a set of four KS-9033 jumpers with spade connectors. Pretty exciting!

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

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